On this website you can see the various models. The SD1 can be divided in three petrolrunning cars, the 2000, 2300-2600 six cilinders and the V8 engine. Apart from the 2000 allengines are available in a series 1 or a series 2 (Mark one and mark two). If you have setyour mind on a particular car there are a few things to look after once you are buying oneof these classic Rovers. And this is not to discourage you but the Rover SD1 is not well known for its build quality.Rover had great difficulties to built a reasonable priced car which was reliable. The SD1built quality where famous but not in a positive way. In particular the series one wherepoor but also series two had their problems. And it is not only rust that Rover has to deal with. Poor quality of door panels, wiring(Lucas electrical system are known as the “prince of darkness”) are just a few.

Rover SD1 buyers guide

Rust, what to look out for?!

Rust, oh yes these cars can rust. On various spots on the car, here are just a few items tolook after.

1) Doors,

Both front and rear. These door panels are folded at the edges as can be seen in thispicture and water comes to places it can not leave. Look out for rust in these areas. Newdoors are difficult to find although you might find some door skins. A few years agoRimmer Bros bought many Rover SD1 parts from the bankrupt India Rover factory so youmight find new doors from them. However these doors are more heavy and have sideimpact protection and can be more difficult to fix on to the car.

2) Sunroof:

Yes, it it wonderful driving your SD1 with a sunroof. However, these canbe a real pain. The panels are very rusty and as with the doors they areno longer produced. Find a proper one or you end up with problems.

3) Windows.

The SD1 has a special front window which is a bit curved giving structure to the chassis.When you lift the car with a 2 column lift the chassis will bends causing the windscreento come of the car. And that is a area for water to enter the car. Around the front window behind the chrome striping water comes in at the top or behind the dash. The result isclear, rust around the screen but also in the foot well. But also check the rear booth. The large rear window is only mounted in a very thinrubber which over the years has been perished. Water can enter the booth via the rearwindow or the rear taillight. You can check the booth below (spare wheel area) to feel ifthere is moisture. Also if the headlining is hanging this is anindication there is moisture inside the car.

4) Suspension:

The rear suspension from the SD1 is from Boge. It is a self levellingsystem which holds the car up with heavy load. These units can gowrong two ways, either they leak and your car has a very fluffyrear end. Or the unit sets itself up high, like in the image. The unitget stiff and harsh an no longer operates as a shock absorber andthe car starts dribbling. Check when you are interested in a carwhat suspension is used, Boge units no longer been manufacturedand suspension gets difficult for these cars.

Engines and gearboxes.

The O-Series engine fitted to the 2000 is generally very reliable.They show up in some other Leyland cars and are rugged andreliable.Inline sixes (2300-2600) should be closely checked for signs of camshaft wear and top endnoise. These engines have their problems with engine cooloing and lubrication of thecamshaft. Check the oil and oil pressure carefully. Also heating and cooling of the engine.And see if it runs smoothly with enough power. V8s are long-lived, and you can find these engines in many BL cars ranging from LandRovers to TWR, and from busses to carriers. Parts are not so much an issue here but thisis different with the EFI and Vitesse models. Electronic parts become a rarity nowadays.Be sure the engine has a good oil pressure and revs freely. Carefully look for signs of anyoverheating, and ensure that there is evidence of regular oil changes.The 77mm gearboxes are generally reliable, but it is not unknown for these to break.Automatic gearboxes are reliable if they are serviced regular, so it is essential to checkthat drive and reverse engage without a “thump” and that all changes are smooth andslurred. Also check for oil leaking under the car.Other things to inspect are:Differential, check for oil leaking, when the oil gets too low these can sieze.Rear dampers; Rover SD1 cars ranging from 2600 upwards are equiped with Boge Nivomatself levelling suspension as can be read on the website. Replacement can be donenowadays but unit are way over 500 euro a set.Paint: series one cars are known for bad paintwork it is highly unlikely you will find onethat has not received some paint later in life. Check everywhere, and inparticular areaslike:° Front and rear wheel arches.° Boot floor.° Sunroof mechanisms and drain holes.° Outer sills.° Door bottoms.° Valance panels, front and rear.° Bonnet and tailgate – inside and out.° Floors – lift carpets to check for signs of water damage.° Leaky windscreens – check surrounding panels

Not to discourage you immediately but the Rover SD1 is not well known for its buildquality. Rover had great difficulties to built a reasonable priced car which wasreliable. The SD1 built quality where famous but not in a positive way. In particularthe series one where poor but also series two had this problem. And it is not only rust that Rover has to deal with. Poor quality of door panels,wiring (Lucas electrical system are known as the “prince of darkness”) are just afew.

Rover SD1 buyers guide

Rust, what to look out for?!

Rust, oh yes these cars can rust. On various spots on the car, here are just a fewitems to look after. 1) Doors, but front and rear. Door panels are folded at the edges as can be seen inthis picture and water comes to places it can not leave. Look out for rust in theseareas. New doors are difficult to find although you might find some door skins. Afew years ago Rimmer Bros bought many Rover SD1 parts from the bankrupt IndiaRover factory so you might find new doors from them. However these doors aremore heavy and have side impact protection and can be more difficult to fix on tothe car. 2) Sunroof: Yes, it it wonderful driving your SD1 with a sunroof. However,these can be a real pain. The panels are very rusty and as with thedoors they are no longer produced. Find a proper one or you endup with problems. 3) Windows. The SD1 has a special front window which is a bit curved giving structure to thechassis. When you lift the car with a 2 column lift the chassis will bends causingthe windscreen to come of the car. And that is a area for water to enter the car.Around the front window behind the chrome striping water comes in at the top orbehind the dash. The result is clear, rust around the screen but also in the footwell. But also check the rear booth. The large rear window is only mounted in a verythin rubber which over the years has been perished. Water can enter the booth viathe rear window or the rear taillight. You can check the booth below (spare wheelarea) to feel if there is moisture. Also if the headlining is hanging this is anindication there is moisture inside the car. 4) Suspension: The rear suspension from the SD1 is from Boge. It is a self levelling system whichholds the car up with heavy load. These units can go wrong two ways, either theyleak and your car has a very fluffy rear end. Or the unit sets itself up high, like inthe image. The unit get stiff and harsh an no longer operates as a shock absorberand the car starts dribbling. Check when you are interested in a car whatsuspension is used, Boge units no longer been manufactured and suspension getsdifficult for these cars.